US EditionSyrian authorities’ new limits on alcohol sales in Damascus spark backlash
Authorities eased restrictions after protests, allowing alcohol sales for tourism and apologizing for sectarian concerns, amid fears of job losses and tourism decline, officials said.
- Crowds of Syrians rallied Sunday to protest authorities' efforts to limit the sale and consumption of alcohol in Damascus, reflecting rising anxiety that Syria's new Islamist government may threaten secular freedoms.
- The governor of Damascus issued a decree banning 'the provision of alcoholic beverages of all kinds in restaurants and nightclubs' across the capital, with restaurants required to remove wine lists and bars/clubs to obtain cafe permits within three months.
- As criticism flared, Damascus authorities apologized to the city's Christian population for any 'misunderstanding or misinterpretation' of the decision that allows alcohol sales only in sealed bottles in three Christian neighborhoods with distance restrictions from mosques, schools and government buildings.
42 Articles
42 Articles
Al-Monitor
Syrians protest alcohol sale limits, curbs on personal freedom
Hundreds of Syrians protested in central Damascus on Sunday against new restrictions on alcohol sales, reflecting wider fears that the Islamist authorities may tighten curbs on personal freedoms. The Syrian capital last week banned the sale of alcoholic beverages in restaurants and bars, only allowing stores in three Christian neighbourhoods to sell bottles for retail.
The governor of the Syrian capital, by decree, banned the consumption of alcohol in bars and restaurants, except in some Christian neighbourhoods. A restriction perceived as discrimination among liberal Syrians, who eventually laughed at it.
Why Syria's new alcohol ban is about much more than beer
This week's ban on alcohol in Damascus has sparked a debate among Syrians. Some say it's about more than just being able to have a drink: It's about the country's future governance, personal freedoms and community unity.
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